Small plane sinks in Saginaw Channel after emergency landing

Posted: May 19, 2013 - 4:41pm

JUNEAU EMPIRE

A small plane sank in 450 feet of water 16 miles northwest of Juneau Sunday morning after its engine failed and the pilot tried unsuccessfully to make it back to a beach. All aboard were uninjured and declined medical care.

At 10:13 a.m. Alaska State Troopers received a report of an aircraft emergency landing into Saginaw Channel. The Piper PA-16’s engine failed shortly after takeoff from the beach in Handtrollers Cove. The pilot was able to turn the aircraft back towards the beach but it landed in the water and overturned. Two adult men and a dog were got out before the plane sank. A Good Samaritan on a personal fishing vessel noticed the men in the water yelling for help and took them ashore, where Troopers said they were reunited with other members of their party.

The United States Coast Guard, the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board were notified of the investigation, which is ongoing. No names were released.